Tomonari Ishiguro (also known as Black) was the 2001 Single A World Yo-Yo champion. He has invented countless tricks. His most well known trick is most likely the 'Black Hops', which was used in compulsory 1A category at the World Yo-Yo Contest as well as the hardest trick on the modern string trick sport ladder. His tricks have a very noticeable and unique feel to them, with great flow and rhythm but still incorporating subtle and difficult moves. But Black has not just pushed his yo-yo technique, his performance style and ideas continue to push the boundaries in yo-yo competition.
He has had two signature yo-yos produced by YoYoJam, the Black Nova and the Clessiah, however they are no longer available. He had also overseen the development of the Oxygene Obsidian yo-yo, as well as collaborating with Cerevo to develop the 7-Magic yo-yo.
He is the founding member of Guys of Liberty, and a former signature performer for Cirque du Soleil's Kurios show. He has also given several TED Talks.
Achievements
2001
- UTYJ Tokyo Regional - 1A Division - 2nd Place
- UTYJ National - 1A Division - 1st Place
- World Yo-Yo Contest - 1A Division - 1st Place
2002
- UTYJ Tokyo Regional - 1A Division - 2nd Place
- UTYJ National - 1A Division - 1st Place
- World Yo-Yo Contest - 1A Division - 3rd Place
2003
- Japan National Yo-Yo Contest - 1A Division - 5th Place
- World Yo-Yo Contest - 1A Division - 7th Place
2004
- East Japan Yo-Yo Contest - 1A Division - 4th Place
- Japan National Yo-Yo Contest - 1A Division - 2nd Place
- World Yo-Yo Contest - 1A Division - 2nd Place
2005
- East Japan Yo-Yo Contest - 1A Division - 3rd Place
- Japan National Yo-Yo Contest - 1A Division - 4th Place
- World Yo-Yo Contest - 1A Division - 7th Place
2006
- World Yo-Yo Contest - 1A Division - 12th Place
- World Yo-Yo Contest - AP Division - 3rd Place
2007
- World Yo-Yo Contest - 1A Division - 11th Place
- World Yo-Yo Contest - AP Division - 1st Place
